No longer dry bones June 02, 2015 – Ukarumpa, Papua New Guinea – Written by Catherine Rivard with Tim Scott As told by Luke Aubrey - Dan gently set on the table his precious notes, written on tattered notebook paper and tin can wrappers bound together by tape. They contained four months of translation work so a SALT course could be held in his area of Morobe Province. SALT, or “Scripture Application and Leadership Training,” is a twoweek course that is held throughout Papua New Guinea to teach people how to study and apply their translated Scriptures. Dan prayed God would use this course to bring restoration and unity to his people, as the Borong church had broken apart into many warring factions. At first the many tensions in the church discouraged people from attending. But as word spread about the teaching, attendance grew, swelling to over 250 people by the second week! One local government official put his work on hold, choosing instead to lead a group of young men over the mountain every day to attend the sessions. God worked mightily during the weeks. One day, two pastors from different villages got up and embraced each other. They shared, “There has been fighting between our communities for five years! We haven’t spoken to each other in that long! But we now see that we are brothers in Christ. Today God has shown us that He wants us to begin working together.” Others agreed. “This fight has gripped us for years. Five people have died as a direct result. Just last December the government stepped in and mediated a shaky peace agreement. However we have still been keeping our distance. We believe God brought you at just the right time. This is the first time that we have been together in one place… and here we are studying the Word with those who we were fighting with! We believe God has used this course to bring healing between us.” One woman stood, “We in the church were like dry bones. We feel God has brought you to put meat back on us and give us life through His Word.”
For more information on this release, contact ThePNGexperience, PO BOX 413, Ukarumpa, EHP 444, Papua New Guinea Phone: 011 + 675 + 537-3544 ext. 4431 or Email: thePNGexperience@gmail.com
Pictures do not always depict actual event, activities or people. Photos by Tim Scott use by permission only. “Yumi stori” is the PNG “Tok Pisin” term for announcement or “Let’s tell a story” or “Let’s talk”. The English spelling conforms to Commonwealth English spelling.